Drunk farmer drove tractor onto car’s roof

LANDAROOFI The Landini tractor atop a parked Skoda, captured by a passer-by and posted on social media.


A YOUNG farmer who drove his tractor onto the roof of a parked car in Kilkelly has been disqualified from driving for three years.
Keith McHugh (22) of Barnacogue, Swinford, was arrested on Saturday, October 22, 2016, after he drove his blue Landini tractor through the east Mayo village, mounting a Skoda Octavia that was parked on the street.
The incident occurred around 9.50pm, after Mr McHugh had been drinking. He was subsequently arrested for drink driving. A subsequent blood test showed that he had a concentration of 232mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, almost five times the current limit.
Inspector Tom Calvey explained that after hitting the parked car, the tractor ended up on its roof.
Mr Brendan Donnelly, solicitor for the defendant, said his client had never been in trouble before. When asked what Mr McHugh had been doing on the night, Mr Donnelly said he had been drinking in a pub. He explained that when Mr McHugh left the pub, he got into his tractor and drove off. He had then been unable to take a turn, ending up on top of the Skoda.
Mr Donnelly said his client had pleaded guilty to the charge, stating Mr McHugh fully cooperated with the gardaí on the night, and this was verified by Insp Calvey.
Judge Mary Devins noted this co-operation when passing judgement. She fined Mr McHugh €300 and disqualified him from driving for three years.